January saw an unusually heavy accumulation of snow at low elevations across the Washington and Oregon Cascades. In southern Washington, where winter recreation parking areas aren't as close to major highways as those on Mount Hood, the plowing crews have had trouble keeping them open. Sno-park plowing funding is limited and some sno-parks are closed.

For sno-parks on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington, look at the forest Web site www.fs.fed.us/gpnf.

Marble Mountain and Cougar sno-\parks on the south side of Mount St. Helens remain closed until further notice due to heavy snowfall and downed trees. The Wind River Road near Carson, Wash., is closed north of the junction with the Government Mineral Springs road. This has closed access to the Upper Wind River Winter Sports Area.

Sno-parks near Trout Lake, Wash., including Atkisson, Pineside, SnowKing and Flattop are currently open, and provide the best opportunities for visitors who want to ski, snowshoe or snowmobile on the southern side of the forest.

Skate Creek, Johnson Creek and Orr Creek sno-parks in the Randle/Packwood area currently are open.

State Route 504 on the west side of Mount St. Helens is currently closed east of mile post 34 because of heavy snow.

Many Forest roads are now potentially hazardous to travel. Heavy snow on trees could bring them down. Please make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for winter travel. Remember to carry emergency equipment and tire chains. Your safety depends on good planning and good judgment. Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back.